How systems theory can be used to propel the field of public health to the next level.
Improving people’s health entails understanding and changing societal functions and structures, while at the same time countervailing forces that undermine these changes. This, in turn, reflects the adaptive intricacy inherent in public health systems (Von Bertalanffy, 2004). Due to the changing times, improving public health will need a greater understanding of the intricate adaptive systems that are involved in both instigating and cracking public health concerns. For instance, containing and preventing the pandemic influenza will require partnership across a wide array of fields and disciplines, including global reconnaissance to prevent further outbreaks. There is also need for prompt laboratory examination of new viral strains in order to develop effective medications and the formation of extensive informatics and communications infrastructures so that people react and can prepare effectively (Lester, 2008).
Behavior Change Theory that will propel the field of public health to the next level
Today, behavior change has become a crucial impartial of public health interventions as the influence of prevention within the health services has increased. Currently, increased influence of prevention has overlapped with amplified bi-lateral and multi-lateral support in the human development area, and the augmented need for the entire community to show cost-efficiency for the allocated funds (Radosevich, 2009). A recent study has showed that, many health illnesses are caused by risk behaviors. This includes things such as problem drinking, overeating, substance use, reckless driving, smoking, or having unprotected sex. The main question in public health, how t modify and predict the maintenance and adoption of health behaviors. The best thing is that human beings have the principle to control over their conduct. Compromising health behaviors can, therefore, be eradicated by health-enhancing behaviors and self-regulatory efforts (Ajzen, 2005).
References
Von Bertalanffy, Ludwig. (2004). Perspectives on General System Theory Edited by Edgar Taschdjian. George Braziller, New York
Lester R. Bittel and Muriel Albers Bittel. (2008). Encyclopedia of Professional Management, McGraw-Hill.
Radosevich, M. (2009). Social Learning and Deviant Behavior: A Specific Test of a General Theory. American Sociological Review, 44(4), 636–655. Retrieved Aug 28, 2012.
Ajzen, I. (2005). From intentions to actions: A theory of planned behavior. In J. Kuhl & J. Beckman (Eds.), Action-control: From cognition to behavior (pp. 11–39). Heidelberg, Germany: Springer. Retrieved Aug 28, 2012, from Umass.edu Icek Ajzen Selected Publications.
